Bajhang, Aug. 10 -- Nepali mixed martial artist Rabindra Dhant has captured national and international attention after he won the bantamweight title at the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) in Noida, India, on August 1.

Dhant defeated India's previously unbeaten champion, Chunnareng Koren, by TKO in the third round, becoming the first Nepali to claim an international MMA title.

No sooner had the news of his victory spread than the congratulatory messages started to pour in from across the country.

President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former prime ministers, among others, congratulated him on his historic success. Several local municipalities in Bajhang announced cash rewards and honours.

Raised in Bajhang's Bitthadchir Ru...